A 19-year-old Minnesota man died from a gunshot wound Saturday afternoon after an apparent hunting accident along the North Platte River northwest of Torrington, Wyoming.
Maurizio Dadin Justiniano was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders’ efforts to resuscitate him failed, according to a joint statement from the Goshen County Sheriff’s and Coroner’s offices. The death was ruled an accident.
Several Agencies Responded
Coroner Darin Yates told Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday that no details beyond what was in the statement were being released.
An emergency call for help went out at about 2:30 p.m., and personnel from the sheriff’s office, Torrington EMS, Lingle EMS and Regional West Medical Center responded.
No details were provided regarding what type of firearm was involved, where Justiniano had been hit, how many other people were involved or what type of hunting he was engaged in at the time of the accident.
Justiniano’s hometown wasn’t listed.
Happened At Wildlife Management Area
The accidental shooting happened on the Rawhide Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The WMA is managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Game and Fish Laramie region spokeswoman Caroline Rosinski told Cowboy State Daily.
Game and Fish was alerted to the incident, but wasn’t involved in the investigation, she said.
Hunting seasons for waterfowl, squirrels and rabbits are currently open on the Rawhide WMA.
WMAs provide public access for hunting, fishing and other activities. The Rawhide WMA encompasses about 812 acres, roughly two miles south of Lingle and eight miles northwest of Torrington.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
